Frequently Asked Questions

What is dry-cleaning?

Unlike what its name implies, dry-cleaning is not a "dry" process. Garments are immersed in a powerful liquid solvent which evaporates during the cleaning process. Called "PERC" by the industry, perchloroethylene is the solvent most frequently used and is the most efficient, with the exception of water. It may, however, damage fabrics and cause color bleeding/loss, especially at high temperatures. In some cases, it may damage the special trims, buttons and beads on some garments. It is very efficient in eliminating oil-based stains (representing approximately 10% of stains) than more common water-soluble stains (coffee, wine, blood, sweat, urine, etc).

Why is dry-cleaning posing a risk to the environment?

Perchloroethylene is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a "Group 2A: probable carcinogens to humans." It is a suspected developmental, gastro-intestinal, kidney, reproductive, respiratory, skin and sensory organs toxicant. Perchloroethylene also poses a risk to the environment because it is persistent in water and soil and very persistent in sediments and air. The EPA has stated that garments dry-cleaned with perchloroethylene can increase the level of the toxin in the entire household, particularly in the room where the clothes are stored. Many environmental jurisdictions in Canada, the United States and elsewhere in the world have passed laws and regulations to restrict (or abolish) the use of perchloroethylene.

Why is Professional Wet Cleaning better for our health and the environment?

Professional Wet-Cleaning uses waterpower and 100% green detergents as cleaning agents while dry-cleaning requires the uses of fossil-fuel-based solvents (toxic). Furthermore, and contrary to what we may think, an Professional Wet-Cleaning cleaning cycle uses less water and energy. For example, we use 70 litres of water and 2.4 kWh of electricity in a complete Professional Wet-Cleaning cycle while the equivalent dry-cleaning cycle requires the use of 275 litres of water to cool the equipment and 15 kWh of electricity.

How does Professional Wet Cleaning provide for the efficient cleaning of my garments?

Water movement has always been the source of efficient cleaning. Not only does it thoroughly clean dirt imbedded between the fibres, but water movement combined with the appropriate detergent eliminates any types of stains. In fact, stains like coffee, wine, blood, sweat, urine and others are only soluble in water. However, an improper use of water as a cleaning agent may damage delicate fibres leading manufacturers to require that certain types of fibres only be dry-cleaned. The Professional Wet-Cleaning solution developed by Daoust EcoEfficient Cleaners consists of a very advanced technology which coats the fabric fibres with a 100% environmentally friendly protection before being soaked in water. Once the fibre is protected, water is let loose to use its power to loosen tough stains and dirt and wash them away without damaging the fabric.